Hong Kong Increases Penalties for Illegal Feeding of Wild Animals and Feral Pigeons Amid New Ordinance Enforcement

AFCD steps up enforcement to combat illegal feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons

Since the newly amended Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) came into operation on August 1, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has stepped up patrols and enforcement operations with a view to combatting illegal feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons.

The newly amended Ordinance expands the prohibition on feeding wild animals to cover feral pigeons. The maximum penalty for illegal feeding is increased from a fine of $10,000 to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year with a fixed penalty of $5,000 introduced. The scope of enforcement officers is also expanded. In the first month after the new prohibition came into operation (i.e. between August 1 to August 31), enforcement officers first gave a verbal warning to any person who was found to engage in illegal feeding of wild animals or feral pigeons. From September 1 onwards, enforcement officers would take immediate enforcement action without verbal warning against any person in breach of the feeding ban.

The latest prohibition on feeding wild animals and feral pigeons is applicable to all places in Hong Kong, including private places or premises. The AFCD has stepped up patrols throughout Hong Kong according to intelligence and reports, especially at locations with previous records of illegal feeding activities, and takes appropriate enforcement action as necessary, inclusive of weekends, public holidays and non-office hours. In addition, the AFCD has also established an interdepartmental working group on feeding ban enforcement with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Housing Department, and has conducted a series of joint operations with relevant departments with a view to combatting illegal feeding activities.

Between August 1 and yesterday (October 1), the AFCD and relevant departments issued fixed penalty notices at various locations including those with previous records of illegal feeding activities, such as Yuen Long Nullah, the vicinity of Hang Hau MTR Station, Kam Shan Country Park and Lion Rock Country Park, to a total of 39 offenders engaged in illegal feeding. Details are as follows:

Number of fixed penalty notices issued

Illegal feeding of monkeys

19

Illegal feeding of wild pigs

4

Illegal feeding of feral pigeons or wild birds

16

A spokesman for the AFCD said, "Feeding wild animals and feral pigeons brings negative impacts on animals themselves and public health, such as leading animals to rely on human feeding and the congregation of animals near residential areas, which causes a nuisance to members of the public and increases the risk of disease transmission. The leftover feeds may also cause environmental hygiene issues."

The AFCD has launched a series of publicity and education activities, including producing online publicity videos; placing advertisements; sending staff to arrange seminars in schools, elderly centres and housing estates; setting up educational booths; displaying banners and posters; and distributing relevant leaflets at locations with previous records of illegal feeding activities. In addition, the AFCD has jointly conducted publicity and education activities with members of the Legislative Council and District Council in various districts to bring the message of "All For No Feeding" into the community.

The spokesman reiterated that feeding wild animals and feral pigeons is an offence. The Government will continue to step up efforts in combatting illegal feeding activities. Members of the public may report any suspected illegal feeding activities by calling 1823.

AFCD steps up enforcement to combat illegal feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD steps up enforcement to combat illegal feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD steps up enforcement to combat illegal feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD steps up enforcement to combat illegal feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD steps up enforcement to combat illegal feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD steps up enforcement to combat illegal feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images